Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of two stacked homemade German chocolate brownies with a fudgy chocolate base and a thick, glossy coconut-pecan frosting. The caramel-colored frosting is rich and gooey, topped with toasted coconut flakes and crunchy pecan halves. The brownies have a moist texture with melted chocolate chips visible, and the frosting slightly drips over the edges. Warm, natural lighting enhances the rich textures, creating a decadent and homemade feel.

German chocolate brownies

No ratings yet
These German chocolate brownies combine a fudgy chocolate brownie base with the classic coconut-pecan frosting found in German chocolate cake. They’re rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for special occasions or just because you need a chocolate fix!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 14 brownies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fudgy Brownies:
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter - Or coconut oil for dairy-free
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar - Or 1¾ cups coconut sugar
  • 4 Large eggs - Or flax eggs for vegan
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour - Or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
  • 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Classic German Chocolate Frosting:
  • 1 cup Evaporated milk - Or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 3 Egg yolks - Lightly beaten
  • ½ cup Unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups Sweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 cup Chopped pecans - Toast them first for extra flavor

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan (For baking brownies)
  • Parchment paper (For easy removal)
  • Medium saucepan (For making the frosting)
  • Large mixing bowl (For brownie batter)
  • Medium mixing bowl (For dry ingredients)
  • Whisk (For mixing)
  • Rubber spatula (For folding ingredients)
  • Wooden spoon (For stirring frosting)
  • Measuring cups & spoons (For accurate ingredient measurements)
  • Cooling rack (For cooling brownies)
  • Sharp knife (For cutting brownies)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  3. Gather all ingredients and measure them out before starting.
  4. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until completely liquid.
  5. Whisk in granulated sugar until well combined and slightly grainy.
  6. Let the mixture cool for 2-3 minutes if it’s very hot.
  7. Whisk in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
  8. Stir in vanilla extract until glossy and smooth.
  9. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
  10. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Avoid overmixing.
  11. Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  12. Pour into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  13. Bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  14. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  15. In a medium saucepan, mix evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
  16. Heat over medium, stirring constantly for 10-12 minutes, until thickened.
  17. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  18. Stir in sweetened coconut flakes and chopped pecans.
  19. Let it cool for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  20. Evenly spread the coconut pecan frosting over the cooled brownies.
  21. Allow frosting to set at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  22. Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and cut into squares with a sharp knife.

Nutrition

Serving: 75gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 3gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!